Modules including multiple rows of adapters for high density optical fiber distribution frame

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic telecommunications frame is provided including termination modules positioned on left and right sides of the frame. The frame further includes left and right vertical cable guides. The frame includes a horizontal passage linking the left and right panels and the cable guides. The termination modules hold fiber optic modules with front termination locations. The fiber optic modules can house couplers, such as splitters, combiners, and wave length division multiplexers. A retention mechanism retains each fiber optic module in a partially removed position from the termination module. An adapter retainer may be removably mounted within an open front of the fiber optic modules, and a fiber optic module may include a plurality of rows of adapters.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to the telecommunications industry. Moreparticularly, this invention pertains to modules for use with ahigh-density fiber distribution frame for use in the telecommunicationsindustry.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In the telecommunications industry, use of fiber optic cables forcarrying transmission signals is rapidly growing. To connect fiber opticequipment, fiber distribution frames have been developed. Examples ofprior art fiber distribution frames are shown in commonly assigned U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,995,688; 5,497,444; and 5,758,003 to ADC Telecommunications,Inc. In each of the fiber distribution frames of the prior patents, aplurality of adapters are provided which permit attachment of fiberoptic connectors to both sides of each adapter in order to opticallycouple two fiber optic cables. Cables from the adapters are connected tovarious pieces of fiber optic equipment. Using patch cords or cablesbetween the adapters, the pieces of optical equipment are thencross-connected through the frame. The frame defines a demarcation pointbetween the equipment.

The use of modular fiber optic connector modules is known for performingso-called cross-connect applications. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,432,875;5,363,465; and 6,208,796 to ADC Telecommunications, Inc. concern fiberoptic connector modules and chassis designs for receiving the modules incross-connect applications.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,556,763 also to ADC Telecommunications, Inc., concerns afiber distribution frame with connector modules. The connector modulesof the '763 patent slide into termination modules held by the frame.

Notwithstanding advances previously made in the art, there is acontinuous need for further advances to maintain a high-density ofconnector terminals. There are further needs for ready access to thefiber optic connectors and couplers, enhanced fiber management, andavoidance of excessive bending and stresses on the fiber optic cables.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fiber optic module adapted to be heldby a frame. The fiber optic module includes a housing with twospaced-apart major sides extending parallel to one another, the majorsides interconnected by two spaced-apart minor sides, extending parallelto one another. The major and minor sides extend between front and rearends of the housing. The front end of the housing is open and defined byedges of the two major and minor sides. At least one adapter retainer isremovably mounted in the open front end of the housing. Each adapterretainer includes two spaced apart major walls and two spaced apartminor walls extending between the major walls. The major walls extendgenerally parallel to the edges of the major sides, and each of themajor walls includes a plurality of apertures. A bracket is removablymounted to the housing adjacent the adapter retainer and securing theadapter retainer to the housing. A plurality of fiber optic adapters aremounted to the retainer. Each adapter includes two projections, and eachprojection is received in one of the apertures in the major walls of theadapter retainers. Fiber optic circuitry within the housing connects thefiber optic adapters.

The present invention further relates to a fiber optic module adapted tobe held by a frame. The fiber optic module includes a housing includingtwo spaced-apart major sides extending parallel to one another, themajor sides interconnected by two spaced-apart minor sides, extendingparallel to one another. The major and minor sides extend between frontand rear ends of the housing. The front end of the housing is open anddefined by the two major and minor sides. At least one adapter retaineris mounted within the front end extending between the minor sides. Theadapter retainer has first and second major sides extending generallyparallel to the major sides of the housing. The major sides of theadapter retainer include a plurality of apertures. Front flanges areincluded on opposite ends of the front end, with one of the frontflanges including a latch for latching the front end of the housing tothe frame. Two side flanges extend in opposite directions from one ofthe major sides.

The present invention also relates to a method of using a fiber opticmodule including providing a housing including at least two fiber opticadapter retainers in a stack, each adapter retainer configured forholding a plurality of fiber optic adapters. A portion of the housing isremoved to allow selective removal of at least one of the adapterretainers. The selected adapter retainer is removed from the remainderof the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, top, and right side perspective view of a firstembodiment of a fiber frame according to the present invention, with oneleft side chassis or termination module shown in exploded view, and withthe front doors open.

FIG. 2 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of one of theright side termination module from the frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the termination module of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the termination module of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front, top and right side perspective view of one of theleft side termination modules from the frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the termination module of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front, top and left side perspective view of the terminationmodule of FIG. 5 showing four fiber optic modules of a first embodimentmounted within the termination module.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the termination module and fiber optic modulesof FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front and left side view of the termination module of FIGS.7 and 8, taken from a position looking into the termination module inthe direction of sliding movement of each of the fiber optic modules.

FIG. 10 is a front, top and right side perspective view of thetermination module relative and fiber optic modules of FIG. 7, andshowing one of the fiber optic modules partially removed from aremainder of the fiber optic modules.

FIG. 11 is a first side view of one of the fiber optic modules shown inFIGS. 7 through 10.

FIG. 12 is an opposite side view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 15 is a first end view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 11 and12.

FIG. 16 is an opposite end view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 11and 12.

FIG. 17 is a view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 12 with the coverportion removed showing interior structures.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the fiber optic module ofFIGS. 11 through 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fiber opticmodule.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the fiber optic module ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the fiberoptic module of FIGS. 19 and 20 showing the connection between one ofthe adapter, and the module housing taken along lines 21-21 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a side view of one of the ball plungers of the terminationmodule of FIGS. 1 though 10.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the termination module of FIG. 5,showing two fiber optic modules including multiple rows of adaptersmounted within the termination module, with one of the modules partiallyremoved.

FIG. 24 is a first perspective view of one of the fiber optic modules ofFIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a second perspective view of the fiber optic module of FIG.24.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 is a first side view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 24.

FIG. 30 is a second side view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 24.

FIG. 31 is a rear view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 24.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 24, witha retainer bracket exploded and one of the adapter retainers removedfrom the housing.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the adapter retainer of FIG. 33.

FIG. 34 is a top view of the adapter retainer of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front view of the adapter retainer of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the adapter retainer of FIG. 33.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the adapter retainer bracket of thefiber optic module of FIG. 24.

FIG. 38 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a bay or frame 10 is shown forterminating, and managing fiber optic cables within the frame. Frame 10includes a rack 11 having a bottom 12, a top 14, and an enclosure 15having an interior 16. Hinged doors 18 allow selective access to an openfront 20 for accessing the interior 16.

Enclosure 15 of frame 10 further includes left and right sides 22, 24,and a rear 26. Left and right sides 22, 24 include cable managementstructure 28 in the form of fingers 29 for managing cables within frame10. Also, received within the interior of frame 26 is a plurality ofchassis or termination modules 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, only an upper portion of frame 10 is populated withtermination modules 30. A lower portion of frame 10 can be populatedwith additional termination modules 30, or other cable managementstructures including cable splicing. Earlier U.S. Pat. No. 6,556,763 toADC Telecommunications, Inc. shows various cable splicing structures,which can be utilized within frame 10. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No.6,556,763 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Frame 10 further includes horizontal cable management structure 32adjacent to bottom 12 for managing cables passing between the left andright sides of frame 10. Such cabling may pass from cable managementstructure 28 positioned on each side of frame 10.

Frame 10 includes a plurality of termination modules 30. In preferredembodiments, termination modules 30 are provided with either a left handarrangement 36 or a right hand arrangement 38 for use on left and rightsides, respectively, of frame 10. The left and right hand arrangements36, 38 assist with cable management and avoidance of excess bending onthe cables. In the preferred embodiment, the cables are angled towardthe left or rights sides 22, 24 of frame 10. The left and right handarrangements 36, 38 are generally mirror images of each other.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 4, one of the right hand arrangements38 for termination module 30 is shown. Termination module 30 includesfirst and second ends 42, 44, first and second sides 46, 48, and a rear50. A front end 52 is generally open for receipt of fiber optic modules,as will be described below. Termination module 30 defines an interior 54for receipt of the fiber optic modules. Interior 54 includes first andsecond longitudinal guides 58, 60 for slideably receiving the fiberoptic modules in a linear direction. Termination module 30 furtherincludes a module retention mechanism 61 for retaining the fiber opticmodules with the termination module. In particular, the retentionmechanism 61 holds the fiber optic modules with the termination module30 when a selected fiber optic module 80 is partially removed from thetermination module (see FIGS. 7-10). The retention mechanism of theillustrated embodiment includes a spring biased ball plunger 64 (seealso FIG. 22). Interaction between the ball plunger 64 with the fiberoptic modules will be discussed in greater detail below. Other retentionmechanisms are possible for holding the fiber optic modules 80 in thepartially removed position.

Termination module 30 further includes structure for retaining eachfiber optic module with the termination module when the fiber opticmodule is fully inserted into interior 54. In the illustratedembodiment, termination module 30 includes apertures 66 for receipt of afastener, lock or latching element for each fiber optic module, as willbe discussed in greater detail below.

Termination module 30 includes cable management structure in the form ofcable guides 70 defining passages 71 for receiving cables extendingtoward front end 52 of termination module 30. Termination module 30further includes a curved panel 74 to further prevent cable damage bynot allowing the cables extending toward front end 52 to be bent belowthe minimum bend radius which might cause cable damage and loss ofperformance. Fingers 29 of frame 10, sides 22, 24 and cable guides 70define vertical channels for cables extending to and from terminationmodules 30. The cables can extend vertically upward out of frame 10, ordownward into the floor of a raised floor system. Alternatively, thecables can pass horizontally from one side of frame 10 to the other, orto other adjacent frames.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 10, one of termination modules 30 isshown with a plurality of fiber optic modules 80 received withininterior 54. Additional fiber optic modules 80 can populate theremaining open space of termination module 30. As shown in FIGS. 7through 9, each fiber optic module 80 presents a plurality of connectionlocations 82 defined by fiber optic adapters 84. Adapters 84 can be anyof a variety of fiber optic adapters desired for use in frame 10. Inparticular, fiber optic adapters such as SC, E2000, LC or LX.5 (by ADCTelecommunications, Inc., and shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,883,995 and6,142,676). Alternatively, other adapters can be utilized. Adapters 84define the connection locations 82 for connecting to connectors on theends of fiber optic cables. On an opposite end of adapters 84, disposedwithin fiber optic modules 80, adapters 84 also receive a fiber opticconnector associated with the internal circuitry of fiber optic modules80.

Still referring to FIGS. 7 though 9, fiber optic modules 80 withintermination module 30 present a dense arrangement of the connectionlocations 82. Should access to a selected connection location 82 bedesired, such as for connecting or disconnecting a cable connector toone of adapters 84, an operator may have a difficult time accessing theselected connector and adapter without disrupting other connections.Referring now to FIG. 10, one of fiber optic modules 80 is shownpartially removed from termination module 30 so as to improve the easeof access by the operator to the selected connection location 82. InFIG. 10, the lowermost fiber optic module 80 is shown partially removedto improve access to adapters 84 of the partially removed module.

Termination module 30 cooperates with each fiber optic module 80 to holdfiber optic modules 80 in the fully inserted position. Terminationmodule 30 also cooperates with each fiber optic module 80 to allow forpartial removal of selected fiber optic modules 80 as shown in FIG. 10.A latch 90 on each module 80 securely retains each fiber optic module 80with termination module 30. Latch 90 as shown is a swell latch whichcooperates with apertures 66 of termination module 30. When latch 90 isreleased, by flipping the latch, the selected fiber optic module 80 canbe removed from termination module 30 if desired.

Fiber optic module 80 can also be retained in the position shown in FIG.10 for the lowermost fiber optic module 80. As will be described below,fiber optic module 80 includes structure which cooperates with the ballplunger 64 of termination module 30 to hold the partially removed fiberoptic module 80 to termination module 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 though 18, one of fiber optic modules 80 isshown in greater detail. Module 80 has a housing 94 including first andsecond major sides 96, 98, and first and second minor sides 100, 102. Arear end 104 cooperates with major sides 96,98 and minor sides 100, 102to define an interior 106 for housing fiber optic components and cables.FIGS. 19-21 show a second embodiment of a fiber optic module 180, with asimilar housing construction. Module 180 includes the same housing 94,but uses different adapters 184.

Major sides 96, 98 and minor sides 100, 102 define an open front end108, which receives fiber optic adapters 84. If desired, a blank 116 canbe mounted at front end 108 instead of an adapter 84. As shown, module80 has room for nine adapters or blanks.

Preferably, module 80 includes first and second front flanges 118, 120.As shown, front flange 118 holds latch 90. Latch 90 is a swell latchincluding a pivoting handle 122, and an expandable end 124 for receiptin opening 66 in termination module 30. Other latches, locks orfasteners can be used to retain module 80 in the fully insertedposition.

In the preferred embodiment of fiber optic module 80, minor sides 100,102, major side 98, and rear end 104 are integrally formed from a singlehousing structure or main portion 126, such as bent sheet metal. Thissingle housing structure 126 can also include front flanges 118, 120.Further in the preferred embodiment, major side 96 includes a coverportion 128, and a front end portion 130. In the preferred embodiment,front end portion 130 includes a U-shape with ends 132, 134 and acentral extension 136 positioned therebetween (see also FIG. 20).

Front end portion 130 and cover portion 128 are preferably also madefrom convenient structures, including sheet metal. Threaded fasteners138 mount cover portion 128 to main portion 126 of fiber optic module80. Threaded fasteners 139 further mount front end portion 130 to mainportion 126. Fastener holes 103 in minor sides 100, 102 are preferablyelongated to allow for a variety of spacings of front end portion 130relative to main portion 126. Such a feature is desirable to accommodateadapters of differing dimensions for different modules. Main portion 126includes a cutout 146 with projections 147 on opposite ends whichreceives end portion 130.

As noted above adapters 84 mount to front end 108 of fiber optic module80. In the preferred embodiment, a line of apertures 140 is provided ineach of major sides 96, 98 so as to receive attachment structure of eachadapter 84. In the preferred embodiment, adapters 84 include projections86 such as spring arms or latch portions or other structures, which arereceived in apertures 140. Similarly, blank 116 includes projections 117for receipt in aperture 140 (see FIG. 20). By defining a front end 108of fiber optic module 80 by the edges of major sides 96, 98, a thinnermodule can be provided. Thinner modules allow for greater densities ofadapters 84 in a given footprint within frame 10 and termination module30. With increased density may come the likelihood of more difficulty inaccessing individual adapters 84. The present invention allows forpartial removal of the fiber optic module 80 at the selected time.

The operator can individually access the selected module 80 withoutdisrupting other cables and connections on adjacent modules. Preferablyfront end portion and major side 98 are made from thin sheet metal suchas aluminum, at least 0.080 inches thick, so as to engage the springarms of the adapter.

Module 80 includes flanges 142, 144 defined by cover portion 128.Flanges 142, 144 cooperate with first and second longitudinal guides 58,60 of termination module 30 to slideably move into and out oftermination module 30. In the preferred embodiment, flanges 142, 144 areplanar structures extending beyond minor sides 100, 102 of fiber opticmodule 80. Longitudinal guides 58, 60 of termination module 30 are shownin one possible implementation including channel defining inserts 148mounted on first interior panel 149 for first longitudinal guides 58,and slots 150 in second interior panel 152 defining second longitudinalguides 60. Both channel defining inserts 148 and slots 150 each receiveone of flanges 142, 144.

Termination module 30 includes various panel elements 42, 44, 46, 48,149, and 152 that can be made from any convenient housing material, suchas sheet metal. Supports 166, 168 strengthen first and second interiorpanels 149, 152 in the preferred embodiment.

Termination module 30 preferably angles the adapters 84 toward cableguides 70. Such angling helps avoid excessive bends on the front cablesextending toward fiber optic modules 80 positioned in termination module30. Such angling is achieved by angling longitudinal guides 58, 60toward cable guides 70. FIG. 8 shows a view into termination module 30perpendicular to the planar rear 50. As can be seen in FIG. 8, inserts148 and slots 150 are not perpendicularly positioned, but at a slightangle, such as 5 degrees, relative to rear 50. FIG. 9 shows a view oftermination module 30 from the slight angle toward guides 70 showing theinserts 148 and slots viewed perpendicularly.

It is further preferred that fiber optic module 80 can be utilizedeither in the left hand arrangement 36 or the right hand arrangement 38for termination modules 30 by merely flipping the module 180 degreesupside down from the left side to the right side of frame 10. Left andright hand arrangements 36, 38 are constructed so as to accommodate theflanges 142, 144 as modules 80 are flipped between the left and rightsides.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the fiber optic circuitry 114 isillustrated within interior 106 of fiber optic module 80. Fiber opticcouplers 164 are held by holders 156. A mounting plate 188 mounts eachholder 156 to major side 98, such as with threaded fasteners (notshown). Internal cables 158 connect to rear ends of the adapters 84through mating connectors (not shown). A variety of fiber opticcircuitry can be utilized including fiber optic splitters, WDM's,DWDM's, and any other passive optical circuitry. In some embodiments, itmay be desirable to have straight pass through connections, withmonitoring ports. In that case, there would be one input, one output andone monitor port per circuit. Module 80 could hold three of thosecircuits. FIG. 17 shows a 1×3 optical splitter circuit 162. In FIG. 17,module 80 could house two 1×3 optical splitters, with one blank 116.Schematic label 169 can be added to module 80 to illustrate or describethe circuit functions for the operator.

Mounting tabs 164 for mounting main portion 126 to cover portion 128 arealso used to retain cables 158 during assembly, before cover portion 128is closed. Cable clip 186 assists with cable management.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 through 21, second embodiment of a fiber opticmodule 180 is shown. One difference over fiber optic module 80 is shownwith respect to adapters 184. Adapters 184 are SC type, whereas adapters84 are E2000 type. FIG. 21 shows in greater detail receipt ofprojections, e.g., spring arms 186, within apertures 140 of modulehousing 94. If adapters 184 were taller or shorter than adapters 84, thespacing between extension 136 and major side 96 can be adjusted withelongated holes 103 in minor sides 100, 102.

Referring now to FIG. 22, an example ball plunger 64 is shown includinga housing 170 which holds a ball 172 with a projecting end 174. Aninternal spring 176 biases ball 172 to the position shown. Ball plunger64 is positioned within interior 54 of termination module 30 to retaineach module 80 with termination module 30. Ball plungers 64 arepress-fit into panel 152 of termination module 30. When fiber opticmodule 80 is partially removed from interior 54 of termination module30, end 174 of ball 172 is received opening 110 in minor side 100 ofmodule 80. With ball plunger 64 engaging opening 110, module 80 isretained by termination module 30 in the partially removed position. Theengagement of ball plunger 64 with opening 110 provides a lock forretaining or holding module 80 while the operator accesses the desiredconnection location. In the case of the operator removing a connectorfrom one adapter 84, ball plunger 64 holds module 80 in the partiallyremoved position so that the operator can pull the connector from theselected adapter 84. In so doing, the operator does not need to alsohold module 80 to retain module 80 with termination module 30. The forceneeded to disconnect the connector from the selected adapter 84 is lessthan the force which holds fiber optic module 80 with termination module30.

Should the operator desire to remove fiber optic module 80 entirely fromtermination module 30, the force provided by ball plunger 64 engagingopening 110 can be overcome by the operator grasping the front end 108of module 80 and pulling outwardly.

In the preferred embodiment, minor side 102 of fiber optic module isfurther provided with a second opening 120 for holding end 174 of ball172 when module 80 is fully inserted into termination module 30. Suchretention feature is optional since latch 90 retains each fiber opticmodule 80 with the termination module 30 in the fully inserted position.However, with a retainer arrangement utilizing ball plungers 64, somestress relief may be needed by termination module 30 so as to not bowout panel 152. If desired, second opening can be smaller than firstopening 110.

Other retention mechanisms are anticipated for holding and retainingfiber optic modules 80 with termination modules 30 in the partiallyremoved positions. For example, a leaf spring can project inwardly frompanel 152 for engagement with structure on fiber optic module 80,including openings in minor side 102, or flange 144.

While the preferred adapters 84, 184 and others noted herein includeopposed projections for mounting to apertures 140 in each of major sides96, 98, other adapters can be used. For example, ST and FC type may beused if an appropriate adapter member is used to link each adapter tomodule 80 and apertures 140.

It is to be appreciated that the fiber optic module retention featuresof the present invention can be used with other frames besides frame 10including termination modules 30. Also, termination modules 30, with thefiber optic module retention mechanism for holding the modules in thepartially removed position, can be used with other fiber optic modulesbesides modules 80. In some applications, it may be desirable to providemodules with plural rows of adapters.

Referring now to FIG. 23, termination module 30 is shown with two fiberoptic modules 280 inserted within longitudinal guides 58 and 60. Modules280 include a plurality of rows of adapters 84 and are releasably heldto termination module 30 by latches 90 engaging apertures 66. Whereasmodules 80 and 180 occupied a single pair of longitudinal guides 58 and60, modules 280 occupy two pairs of guides 58 and 60, sliding within andengaging one of the pairs of guides and blocking access to the otherpair of guides. Optical components and other items described above asmounted within modules 80 and 180 may also be used within module 280 ina similar manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 to 31, module 280 is shown removed fromtermination module 30. Module 280 includes a housing 294 having firstand second major sides 296 and 298. Forming a portion of first majorside 296 is a cover 228. First and second minors sides 200 and 202extend between major sides 296 and 298 and combine with a rear end 204to define an interior 206 (shown in FIG. 32). Mounted in an open frontend 208 of housing 294 are a pair of adapter retainers 230 within whichare mounted a plurality of adapters 84 defining connection locations 82.As shown, adapters 84 are E2000 adapters. A front flange 218 extendsoutward from side 200 and front flanges 220 and 221 extend outward fromside 202, all adjacent open front end 208. A pair of swell latches 90are mounted to front flange 218 and are configured to engage apertures66 in termination module 30, as described above.

Flange 142 extends outward from side 200 parallel to first major side296 and a forward portion of flange 142 forms projection 147 adjacentone end of adapter retainer 230. Adapter retainer 230 is positionedwithin a cutout 246 in cover 228. A second cutout or recess 306 in cover228 is positioned adjacent side 202 and a side recess 308 is positionedadjacent recess 304. An adapter retainer bracket 300 is mounted withinrecesses 306 and 308. Bracket 300 includes a top surface 304 withinrecess 306 parallel to first major surface 296, a side surface 302within recess 308 parallel to second minor surface 202, and flange 221extends from side surface 302. Bracket 300 is releasably held withinrecess 306 by removable fasteners such as screws received withinopenings 203.

A flange 244 extends outward from side 202 parallel to first major side296 between recess 306 and rear end 204. Recesses 142 and 244 cooperateto engage longitudinal guides 58 and 60 of termination module 30 toposition and mount fiber optic module 280 with termination module 30.Similar to modules 80 and 180, described above, module 280 includes aschematic label 169 mounted to second major surface 298 and openings 110and 112 in first minor side 200.

Second major side 298 includes a recessed front edge 231 approximatelyaligned with recess 246 in cover 228. A rear wall of one of the adapterretainers 230 is positioned adjacent each of the recess 246 and recessededge 231. Each adapter retainer 230 includes a pair of tabs 316extending outward adjacent minor sides 200 and 202. These tabs 316(shown in more detail in FIGS. 33 to 36, below) are received within aslot 310 in first minor side 200, a slot 312 in second minor side 202,and a slot 314 in bracket 300. Tabs 316 cooperate with slots 310, 312and 314 to hold adapter retainers 300 within open front 208, whenbracket 300 is held within recesses 306 and 308 in housing 294.

FIG. 32 illustrates the procedure for removing one or more adapterretainers 230 from open front 208 of module 280. It is desirable to beable to remove one or more of the adapter retainers 230 from module 280to permit access to or removal of individual adapters 84 adaptersmounted within the adapter retainers 230. As shown in more detail below,in FIGS. 33 to 36, adapter retainer 230 includes a plurality ofapertures 140, similar in size shape and location to those found inmodules 80 and 180, above. These apertures 140 provide openings to beengaged by projections 86 of adapters 84 to releasably hold adapters 84to one of the adapter retainer 230. As these apertures 140 are locatedon both the top and bottom of adapter retainers 230, access to bothsides of adapter retainers 230 is required to permit removal of adapters84. The inner rows of apertures 140 of the adapter retainers 230 are notaccessible as shown in FIGS. 23 to 31.

To remove an adapter 84 from module 280, module 280 should be removedfrom termination module 30, as shown in FIG. 32. Screws 303 withinfastener holes 203 are removed from bracket 300. Bracket 300 may then beremoved from module 280, exposing one of the short sides of the topmostadapter retainer 230 and freeing tab 316 on that side of adapterretainer 230 from slot 314. Adapter retainer 230 may be slide laterallytoward recess 308 in side 202 to permit tab 316 on the opposite side ofthe topmost adapter retainer 230 to be freed from slot 310 in side 200.The topmost adapter retainer 230 is now free to be removed from openfront 208 of module 280. This will permit access to apertures 140 onboth the top and bottom of adapter retainer 230.

If only two adapter retainers 230 are mounted in module 280, as shown,the bottommost adapter retainer 230 may also be removed to permit accessto apertures 140 on both the top and bottom. Alternatively, thebottommost adapter retainer 230 may be left in place in open front 208,as both the top and bottom apertures 140 are accessible in thisposition. If removal of the bottommost adapter retainer 230 is desired,this adapter retainer would then be slide upward, so that tabs 316 oneither side move upward in slots 310 and 312. With bracket 300 removed,tab 316 within slot 312 will eventually become free and permit thebottommost adapter retainer 230 to be slide laterally and removed,similar to the removal of the topmost adapter retainer 230.

Replacement of the adapter retainers 230 within open front 208 wouldrequire a general reversal of the above procedure.

Referring now to FIGS. 33 to 36, adapter retainer 230 includes opposingfirst and second major sides 318 and 320, and opposing first and secondminor sides 322 and 324. These major and minor sides cooperate to definean adapter receiving space 326. Apertures 140 are formed in major sides318 and 320 and are positioned to hold adapters 84 extending through afront end 328 and accessible through a rear end 330 of adapter retainer230. Rear end 330 will be positioned adjacent recess 246 and 231, ofmajor sides 296 and 298, respectively, when adapter retainer 230 ismounted within open front 208 of module 280. Tabs 316 extend outwardfrom minor sides 322 and 324 adjacent rear end 330. Tabs 316 as shownpreferably do not extend from first major side 318 to second major side320 to aid in removal from slots 310 and 312. It is anticipated thattabs 316 could extend a greater or lesser distance between major sides318 and 320.

Adapter retainer 230 may be made of a suitably rigid material to preventdeformation of major sides 318 and 320 that might release projections 86from apertures 140. It is anticipated that aluminum and aluminum alloysmay be suitable. Other polymer, composite, or metals having sufficientstrength and stiffness may be used. The close spacing of adjacentadapter retainers 230 calls for a more rigid material to avoidinadvertent release of adapters 84, as there is not sufficient room forany stiffening structure or reinforcing elements to be incorporated intomajor sides 318 and 320. Alternatively, if additional vertical clearanceor spacing is provided between rows of adapters 84, major sides 318 and320 could be configured to include stiffening structural features thatwould allow other, more flexible materials to be used.

It is anticipated that adapter retainer 230 may be used with a varietyof known fiber optic adapters having approximately the samecross-sectional footprint. As shown, adapters 84 held by adapterretainer 230 are E2000 format adapters. These adapters 84 could beinterchanged with SC, LX.5, LC or other similar format adapters withoutrequiring modification of adapter retainer 230. It is also anticipatedthat adapter retainer 230 may be modified to accommodate other formatsand styles of adapters, such as FC or ST.

It is anticipated that module 280 with two rows of adapters 84 could beadapted to include three or more rows of adapters 84, with each row heldin place by an adapter retainer 230. To secure these multiple rows ofadapters 84 in open front 208, bracket 300 would preferably beconfigured as shown in the FIGS., i.e., with first segment 302 extendingdownward from first major side 296 along side 202 approximately theheight of the topmost adapter retainer 230. Minor sides 200 and 202would be increased in height to accommodate the height of the one ormore added adapter retainers 230. Side 202 would include recess 308similar to that shown in the FIGS. to accommodate tab 316 of the topmostadapter retainer 230, and slot 312 would extend downward from recess 308to accommodate tabs 316 of the remaining adapter retainers 230.

Module 280 is shown with a pair of latches 90 in flange 218 forreleasably retaining module 280 to termination module 30. Flange 218extends to cover two apertures 66 of termination module 30, or a numberequal to the number of rows of adapters which module 280 mayaccommodate. It is anticipated that a single latch 90 might besufficient to hold module 280. Alternatively, if module 280 were adaptedto have more than two rows of adapters 84, flange 218 might be increasedin height to cover up to the same number of apertures 66 in terminationmodule 30. Accommodations in flanges 218 may be made for one, two, ormore latches 90, as may be required or desired for a particularsituation.

FIGS. 37 to 40 show bracket 300, which may be used with any of thesingle or multiple adapter row modules described above. Slot 314 extendsupward from a lower edge 332 of first segment 302 and preferably doesnot extend into second segment 304. As noted above, first segment 302 ispreferably approximately the same height between lower edge 332 andsecond segment 304 as the top most adapter retainer 230 of the module towhich bracket 300 is mounted. Other heights of first segment 302 areanticipated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

A pair of beveled corners 315 may be included in slot 314 adjacent loweredge 332 aid the positioning of tabs 316 of adapter retainers 230 withinslot 314. A pair of fastener openings 203 are included in second segment304 to permit insertion of fasteners to hold bracket 300 to a module,although more or fewer openings and/or fasteners may be used. It isanticipated that bracket 300 may be constructed of aluminum or a similarmaterial, but bracket 300 may also be made of the same material used forcover 228 or other portions of housing 294.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A fiber optic module adapted to be held by a frame, the fiber opticmodule comprising: a housing including two spaced-apart major sidesextending parallel to one another, the major sides interconnected by twospaced-apart minor sides, extending parallel to one another, the majorand minor sides extending between front and rear ends of the housing,the front end being open and defined by edges of the two major and minorsides; at least one adapter retainer removably mounted in the open frontend of the housing, each adapter retainer including two spaced apartmajor walls and two spaced apart minor walls extending between the majorwalls, the major walls extending generally parallel to the edges of themajor sides, each of the major walls including a plurality of apertures;a bracket removably mounted to the housing adjacent the adapter retainerand securing the adapter retainer to the housing; a plurality of fiberoptic adapters mounted to the retainer, each adapter including twoprojections, each projection received in one of the apertures in themajor walls of the adapter retainers; fiber optic circuitry within thehousing connecting the fiber optic adapters.
 2. The fiber optic moduleof claim 1, further comprising front flanges on opposite ends of thefront end, one of front flanges including a latch for latching the frontend of the housing to the frame.
 3. The fiber optic module of claim 2,wherein the bracket includes one of the front flanges.
 4. The fiberoptic module of claim 3, wherein the latch is mounted to the frontflange opposite the front flange of the bracket.
 5. The fiber opticmodule of claim 1, wherein one of the major sides of the housing is atop and includes a recess adjacent the front edge, and the bracket ismounted to the housing within the recess of the top.
 6. The fiber opticmodule of claim 5, wherein the top is removable from the housingindependent of the bracket.
 7. The fiber optic module of claim 1,wherein the minor sides each include a slot adjacent the open front endextending between at least partially between the major sides, and eachadapter retainer includes an outward projecting tab on each minor wall,each of the tabs of each adapter retainer extending within one of theslots of the minor sides of the housing.
 8. The fiber optic module ofclaim 7, wherein the bracket is positioned within a recess in one of themajor sides over the slot in one of the minor sides, and removal of thebracket permits removal of the adapter retainer's tab from the slot andremoval of the adapter retainer from the housing.
 9. The fiber opticmodule of claim 8, wherein the bracket is positioned within a recess inone of the minor side and forms a portion of the slot in that minorside.
 10. The fiber optic module of claim 9, further comprising morethan one adapter retainers mounted within the open front end of thehousing and one of the tabs of one of the adapter retainers is withinthe portion of the slot in one of the minor sides formed by the bracket.11. The fiber optic module of claim 1, wherein one of the major sidesdefines first and second planar flanges extending beyond the minorsides.
 12. The fiber optic module of claim 1, wherein one of the minorsides includes first and second round openings, the first openingpositioned further from the rear end than the second opening, each ofthe first and second openings sized to receive a ball end of a springloaded ball plunger.
 13. The fiber optic module of claim 10, wherein thefirst opening is smaller than the second opening.
 14. A fiber opticmodule adapted to be held by a frame, the fiber optic module comprising:a housing including two spaced-apart major sides extending parallel toone another, the major sides interconnected by two spaced-apart minorsides, extending parallel to one another, the major and minor sidesextending between front and rear ends of the housing, the front endbeing open and defined by the two major and minor sides; at least oneadapter retainer mounted within the front end extending between theminor sides, the adapter retainer having first and second major sidesextending generally parallel to the major sides of the housing, themajor sides of the adapter retainer including a plurality of apertures;front flanges on opposite ends of the front end, one of the frontflanges including a latch for latching the front end of the housing tothe frame; two side flanges extending in opposite directions from one ofthe major sides.
 15. The fiber optic module of claim 14, furthercomprising: a plurality of fiber optic adapters mounted to the frontend, each adapter including two projections, each projection received inone of the apertures in each of the major sides of one of the adapterretainers; a fiber optic coupler mounted within the housing; cablesconnecting the fiber optic adapters and the fiber optic couplers. 16.The fiber optic module of claim 14, wherein two adapter retainers aremounted within the front end of the housing, and each adapter retainerdefines a row of positions to receive fiber optic connectors.
 17. Thefiber optic module of claim 14, wherein the at least one adapterretainer is removably mounted in the front end of the housing.
 18. Thefiber optic module of claim 17, further comprising a bracket removablymounted to one of the major sides of the housing and positioned toprevent removal of the at least one adapter retainer from the housing.19. The fiber optic module of claim 18, wherein each of the adapterretainers includes a pair of minor sides extending between the majorsides of the adapter retainer, and each of the minor sides includes anoutward extending tab, the minor sides of the housing each include aslot for receiving one of the tabs of the adapter retainer, and thebracket is positioned in one of the major sides of the housing and abovethe slot in one of the minor sides of the housing.
 20. The fiber opticmodule of claim 19, wherein the bracket includes a first segmentextending generally coplanar to and within a cutout in one of the minorsides of the housing, and a second segment extending generally coplanarto and within a cutout of one of the major surfaces of the housing, thefirst segment of the bracket including a slot which cooperates with theslot of the minor side to receive tabs extending from one of the minorsides of the adapter retainer.
 21. The fiber optic module of claim 20,wherein the first segment of the bracket extends downward from one ofthe major sides of housing along one of the minor sides of the housing adistance generally the same as a height defined by one of the minorsides of the adapter retainer.
 22. The fiber optic adapter of claim 20,wherein the bracket further includes a flange extending outward from thefirst segment and forming a portion of one of the front flanges of thehousing.
 23. A method of using a fiber optic module comprising:providing a housing including at least two fiber optic adapter retainersin a stack, each adapter retainer configured for holding a plurality offiber optic adapters; removing a portion of the housing to allowselective removal of at least one of the adapter retainers; and,removing the selected adapter retainer from the remainder of thehousing.